Central Galapagos, Wolf & Darwin
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, seals/sea lions, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Isla Lobos, Bartolome, Cousins Rock, Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cabo Douglas (iguana dive), Punta Vicente Roca and Isla Pinzon, plus 2 land tours
Day 1
You’ll step aboard Galapagos Sky in Baquerizo Moreno Harbour, where the friendly crew and your fellow guests are ready to begin your unforgettable Galapagos diving adventure. After a warm welcome and a briefing on the yacht’s features, it’s time for your first dive near Los Lobos Island - an introduction to the region’s playful sea lions and seals. When you return, a delicious dinner will be waiting.
Core Days
Most days on this liveaboard trip include 4 dives, with 2 or 3 dives on days spent cruising between islands. Before each dive, your guide will provide a clear briefing on the site’s layout, current patterns, and the marine life you can expect to see, ensuring you’re well-prepared for every underwater experience.
From the moment you descend at Wolf Island, the underwater world comes alive. Vast schools of scalloped hammerheads glide in mesmerizing patterns along the rock faces, while sleek Galapagos sharks patrol the deep blue. Powerful currents at spots like The Landslide sweep you past bustling cleaning stations where marble rays and green turtles gather. Keep your eyes open - silky sharks may dart by unexpectedly, and the elusive mola mola often drifts silently in the sunlight.
At Darwin Island, the underwater show intensifies. Beneath the iconic Darwin’s Arch, enormous whale sharks - some stretching over 12 meters - appear like ghostly giants, especially from June to November when pregnant females grace the waters. Near the surface, swirling schools of bigeye trevally create shimmering silver storms, weaving through playful sea lions and curious Galapagos sharks. As you ascend, watch hammerheads form striking silhouettes against the sunlit waves.
Cabo Douglas reveals a truly unique experience: diving alongside marine iguanas, the only lizards on Earth that explore beneath the waves. These fascinating creatures munch on algae-covered rocks, occasionally expelling saltwater like miniature dragons.
Diving at Isla Pinzón offers an exhilarating mix of dynamic currents and abundant marine life, making it a favorite among experienced divers. The island’s steep underwater walls and rocky ledges create thrilling drift dives where schools of hammerhead sharks often patrol. You’ll encounter impressive gatherings of reef fish, snappers, jacks, and colorful parrotfish, dancing through vibrant coral gardens. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions weaving effortlessly through the currents and curious green sea turtles gliding nearby. The nutrient-rich waters attract pelagic visitors like silky sharks and occasional manta rays, adding to the excitement. With strong currents and spectacular visibility, Isla Pinzón promises a dive full of energy and unforgettable encounters.
Finally, Punta Vicente Roca blends intimate macro encounters with spectacular ocean life. Drift with curious bottlenose dolphins or observe the quirky red-lipped batfish hopping along sandy bottoms. The highlight awaits in a shadowy cave where white-tip reef sharks lie quietly, breathing steadily in their hidden sanctuary.
On the final full day of your cruise, you’ll have the chance to explore the Highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, or visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre in Puerto Ayora, where you can learn more about the islands’ unique wildlife and conservation efforts. You’ll return to Galapagos Sky by 7 pm.
Final Day
On the final morning, after breakfast, you may choose to visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the Galapagos or spend some time browsing local shops. A late-morning transfer to San Cristóbal Airport marks the end of your Galapagos adventure.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].